Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi Stresses Urgency of Promoting Mahdism and Deepening Ties with Imam Mahdi

In a compelling address at the closing ceremony of the 4th National Conference on Mahdism and the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ahmad Marvi, Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), underscored the critical need to revitalize the culture of Mahdism and strengthen societal recognition of Imam Mahdi (AS), the 12th Shia Imam, in contemporary times. The event, held in the Quds Hall of Imam Reza Shrine, centered on the theme of fostering an authentic understanding of the awaited Savior and his role in guiding humanity. Ayatollah Marvi articulated that true religious comprehension hinges on recognizing the Imam as the “Divine Proof on Earth.” Quoting a revered supplication—“O Allah, make me recognize Yourself, for if You do not make me recognize Yourself, I will not recognize Your Prophet…”—he emphasized the inseparable link between knowing God, the Prophet, and the Imam. “Religion finds its essence through recognition of the Imam,” he asserted. “Yet, we must reflect: Have we genuinely introduced Imam Mahdi to society in a meaningful way?” While acknowledging efforts to disseminate knowledge about the Imam, the AQR Custodian lamented the gap between existing initiatives and their societal impact. “Despite considerable work, the profound truths of Mahdism remain inadequately conveyed,” he noted, calling for a reevaluation of methodologies to align with the “heavenly stature” of divine authorities, as urged by the Supreme Leader. “This demands rigorous scholarship and innovative approaches,” he added. Ayatollah Marvi also highlighted the symbolic importance of Mid-Sha’ban celebrations—marking the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi—as opportunities to elevate public awareness. “These occasions must transcend ritualism to cultivate a deeper, transformative understanding of awaiting the Imam’s reappearance (intizar), which is not passive waiting but active spiritual and ethical preparation,” he explained. Stressing the sanctity of Imam Mahdi’s name, he cautioned against its trivialization in casual discourse. Drawing parallels to the reverence shown by Imam Khomeini, he recounted how the founder of the Islamic Republic consistently attributed triumphs, such as the 1982 liberation of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq War, solely to divine intervention. “Even amid immense trials, Imam Khomeini never invoked the names of the Imams for temporal victories, preserving their sanctity,” he stated. Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Marvi urged introspection: “Is Imam Mahdi a living presence in our daily lives, or merely a name recalled ceremonially? A society rooted in genuine recognition of the Imam will thrive as a dynamic, truth-oriented community, aligned with his ultimate mission.” The conference, attended by scholars and clerics, reinforced calls to bridge theological principles of Mahdism with contemporary societal engagement, ensuring the Imam’s teachings resonate as a guiding force in addressing modern challenges.